JACK Kennedy is on the verge of becoming Ireland's champion jump jockey for the first time, following success in the feature race at Punchestown on Thursday.

In steering the favourite Teahupoo to a clearcut success in the Ladbrokes Stayers' Hurdle, Kennedy stretched his lead over reigning champion Paul Townend to six winners. The season ends on Saturday and, while Townend has a string of favourites to look forward to, bookmaker Paddy Power makes Kennedy the 1/10 favourite to win the title.